I've just bought some clay as a last resort to try and remove some contamination on my roof that feels like sandpaper.I'm scared to try it though as I just can't see how it's scientifically possible for the clay to pick up grit and then not scratch the paintwork with it.

4th Jun 2013

deeky

I've just bought some clay as a last resort to try and remove some … I've just bought some clay as a last resort to try and remove some contamination on my roof that feels like sandpaper.I'm scared to try it though as I just can't see how it's scientifically possible for the clay to pick up grit and then not scratch the paintwork with it.

clay bars are great, honestly. wouldn't have believed it myself until i tried one, picks up a serious about of crap!not overly impressed with the contents of the kit though. or more so the volumes

4th Jun 2013

deeky

I've just bought some clay as a last resort to try and remove some … I've just bought some clay as a last resort to try and remove some contamination on my roof that feels like sandpaper.I'm scared to try it though as I just can't see how it's scientifically possible for the clay to pick up grit and then not scratch the paintwork with it.

Make sure you clean the car first then use the clay as instructed with plenty of lubricant or a wet car from washing. I use the car shampoo from washing the car as lubricant. This is what stops any scratches. Make sure you regularly kneed and fold the small piece of clay to keep it clean. Apply using a piece a little bigger than twice the size of a 10p shaped like a flat disc. Put light pressure using 2 or 3 fingers. The clay will stick and not glide over the paintwork if not enough lubricant is used but will not damage. If clay gets too dirty replace with another small piece and continue. I've never scratched my car with clay and use it regularly to remove tar and other contaminants. The paintwork will be very smooth and you can finish with a polish and/or wax to complete.Hope this helps.

4th Jun 2013

clay bars are great, honestly. wouldn't have believed it myself until i tried one, picks up a serious about of crap!not overly impressed with the contents of the kit though. or more so the volumes[/quote]

I use Autoglym bodywork shampoo to wash the car and also as the lubricant for the clay. Still have about 70% of the clay bar left after 2 years regular use. The Rapid Detailer doesn't last too long but the shampoo works just as well. Some clay suppliers advise water for their lubricant.

4th Jun 2013

I was also sceptical but I just got the Meguiars quick clay starter kit (£16.99 at halfords) , halfords polish (£6.99) and Meguars deep crystal carnauba wax (£9.99 but cheapest on amazon) on the recent 3 for 2 offer so £26.98 total.

It's made such a big difference and smoothed out all the areas where I touched up with paint and got rid of scuffs/scratches without adding any more!

Wilkinson do a good roll of polishing cloth for a couple of quid . It's about 40 cm long.

What I did was:

1)Clean car2)Clay it using the detailed spray as lubricant.Polish off with the cloth ( I found it saves a LOT of time if you keep the polishing coth rolled up so you can use the full length then just roll a tiny bit more off every so often)3)Add halfords polish, let it dry and buff it up to a shine ( was sceptical,but this also improves scratches alot)4)Then finally add the carnauba wax, let it dry and buff to a nice deep gloss shine. Feels like glass,now!

Edited by: "cRuNcHiE" 4th Jun 2013

4th Jun 2013

Great product

4th Jun 2013

rosco123

Make sure you clean the car first then use the clay as instructed with … Make sure you clean the car first then use the clay as instructed with plenty of lubricant or a wet car from washing. I use the car shampoo from washing the car as lubricant. This is what stops any scratches. Make sure you regularly kneed and fold the small piece of clay to keep it clean. Apply using a piece a little bigger than twice the size of a 10p shaped like a flat disc. Put light pressure using 2 or 3 fingers. The clay will stick and not glide over the paintwork if not enough lubricant is used but will not damage. If clay gets too dirty replace with another small piece and continue. I've never scratched my car with clay and use it regularly to remove tar and other contaminants. The paintwork will be very smooth and you can finish with a polish and/or wax to complete.Hope this helps.

The stuff on my car feels literally like small grains of sand bonded to the paint. I've tried proper bird lime and tree sap remover which didn't budge it. I actually had to use a scraper on the windscreen to remove it as it was ripping my wiper blades to shreds. So, when you use the clay, if it dislodges the particles they must then be stuck in the surface of the clay. I just don't see how it doesn't scratch it it you continue to rub the clay, with the grit stuck in the surface of it, across the paint. I've got the proper lube with it. Maybe I'll give it a little try right in the middle of the roof and see what happens.Cheers.

4th Jun 2013

Look for something called iron x or autosmart tardis to remove contamination

4th Jun 2013

just noticed this kit doesnt include wax, or Extra Gloss Protection, which makes a massive difference (shiney and easier to clean next time)

4th Jun 2013

deeky

The stuff on my car feels literally like small grains of sand bonded to … The stuff on my car feels literally like small grains of sand bonded to the paint. I've tried proper bird lime and tree sap remover which didn't budge it. I actually had to use a scraper on the windscreen to remove it as it was ripping my wiper blades to shreds. So, when you use the clay, if it dislodges the particles they must then be stuck in the surface of the clay. I just don't see how it doesn't scratch it it you continue to rub the clay, with the grit stuck in the surface of it, across the paint. I've got the proper lube with it. Maybe I'll give it a little try right in the middle of the roof and see what happens.Cheers.

Providing you follow the instructions it won't scratch the paint. The sand / grit you are talking about is what the claybar will remove.

Imagine the clay is shaped like this --------------

And the paintwork -------^-----^-------

The clay is malleable, so the little up particle sink onto the clay: when you rub it, like this: ______m_____

So the surface touching the paint is still flat. Keep it lubricated & when the clay is dirty, fold it over like the video. It works a treat honestly, but you 100% need to wax your car afterwords.

Edited by: "Markedkiller78" 4th Jun 2013

4th Jun 2013

Don't forgot if you drop the clay bar on the floor it must be thrown out!Paint feels nice & smooth after application.

4th Jun 2013

^ great illustration

4th Jun 2013

try using some petrol dabbed in a microfiber cloth - it takes tar off cars easily!

deeky

The stuff on my car feels literally like small grains of sand bonded to … The stuff on my car feels literally like small grains of sand bonded to the paint. I've tried proper bird lime and tree sap remover which didn't budge it. I actually had to use a scraper on the windscreen to remove it as it was ripping my wiper blades to shreds. So, when you use the clay, if it dislodges the particles they must then be stuck in the surface of the clay. I just don't see how it doesn't scratch it it you continue to rub the clay, with the grit stuck in the surface of it, across the paint. I've got the proper lube with it. Maybe I'll give it a little try right in the middle of the roof and see what happens.Cheers.

4th Jun 2013

Use Bilt Hamber clay instead as it's not only a better clay, you can use water as a lubricant rather than expensive £8 a bottle lubricant when it runs out

Use Bilt Hamber clay instead as it's not only a better clay, you can use … Use Bilt Hamber clay instead as it's not only a better clay, you can use water as a lubricant rather than expensive £8 a bottle lubricant when it runs out ;)http://www.bilthamber.com/auto-clay-regular

To be fair, the lubricant is also a darn good quick detailing spray.

4th Jun 2013

cxxr

try using some petrol dabbed in a microfiber cloth - it takes tar off … try using some petrol dabbed in a microfiber cloth - it takes tar off cars easily!

It's not tar. I can easily remove tar using Mer.

4th Jun 2013

I got the 3m one when that was half price + 10% off.. I second deekys concern about how if you're claying 30cm of paintwork and the first 10cm was contaminated, how do you know you're not damaging the other 20cm of paintwork?

And then when you're done, and you fold in the clay, surely a nasty piece of dirt might pop up once in a while when the time comes to clay again?

4th Jun 2013

deeky

The stuff on my car feels literally like small grains of sand bonded to … The stuff on my car feels literally like small grains of sand bonded to the paint. I've tried proper bird lime and tree sap remover which didn't budge it. I actually had to use a scraper on the windscreen to remove it as it was ripping my wiper blades to shreds. So, when you use the clay, if it dislodges the particles they must then be stuck in the surface of the clay. I just don't see how it doesn't scratch it it you continue to rub the clay, with the grit stuck in the surface of it, across the paint. I've got the proper lube with it. Maybe I'll give it a little try right in the middle of the roof and see what happens.Cheers.

Here is what you want. You can use this in conjunction with a clay bar before you wax. Ace stuff.

http://www.dodojuice.com/lime-prime-pre-wax-cleanser.html

And despite the advice on here, I would not use shampoo to lubricate clay - use a detailer or better still some clay lube its not expensive and goes miles (8 cars+)

http://www.dodojuice.com/born-slippy-detailing-clay-lube.html

Still this deal is pretty damn cheap for middle of the road stuff so heat.

Edited by: "Tyranicus66" 4th Jun 2013

4th Jun 2013

Markedkiller78

Providing you follow the instructions it won't scratch the paint. The … Providing you follow the instructions it won't scratch the paint. The sand / grit you are talking about is what the claybar will remove. Imagine the clay is shaped like this --------------And the paintwork -------^-----^-------The clay is malleable, so the little up particle sink onto the clay: when you rub it, like this: ______m_____So the surface touching the paint is still flat. Keep it lubricated & when the clay is dirty, fold it over like the video. It works a treat honestly, but you 100% need to wax your car afterwords.

Thanks for that, very artistic

Like I said, I'll give it a try in the middle of the roof, then at least if my worst fears turn into reality, it won't be staring me in the face.

4th Jun 2013

ive got some sort of sap on my car.. wont wash off!

is this the best solution?

4th Jun 2013

cigbunt

ive got some sort of sap on my car.. wont wash off!is this the best … ive got some sort of sap on my car.. wont wash off!is this the best solution?

it will do it, but it's quite a expensive solution

Boiling hot water mixed with all purpose cleaner would be my first route, go from there

4th Jun 2013

deeky

The stuff on my car feels literally like small grains of sand bonded to … The stuff on my car feels literally like small grains of sand bonded to the paint. I've tried proper bird lime and tree sap remover which didn't budge it. I actually had to use a scraper on the windscreen to remove it as it was ripping my wiper blades to shreds. So, when you use the clay, if it dislodges the particles they must then be stuck in the surface of the clay. I just don't see how it doesn't scratch it it you continue to rub the clay, with the grit stuck in the surface of it, across the paint. I've got the proper lube with it. Maybe I'll give it a little try right in the middle of the roof and see what happens.Cheers.

Plenty of lubrication is the key to no scratches. Inlaws car was parked beside a railway line and the roof was a terrible mess. The sides not as bad. Other than using quite a bit of clay it took the majority off the roof (95%) and all on the sides. Don't worry about having to put a bit of pressure while rubbing just make sure there's plenty of lubricant.

4th Jun 2013

cigbunt

ive got some sort of sap on my car.. wont wash off!is this the best … ive got some sort of sap on my car.. wont wash off!is this the best solution?

This will easily take the tree sap off. My drive is under a few pear trees and all contaminants including tar are removed easily.

4th Jun 2013

rosco123

Make sure you clean the car first then use the clay as instructed with … Make sure you clean the car first then use the clay as instructed with plenty of lubricant or a wet car from washing. I use the car shampoo from washing the car as lubricant. This is what stops any scratches. Make sure you regularly kneed and fold the small piece of clay to keep it clean. Apply using a piece a little bigger than twice the size of a 10p shaped like a flat disc. Put light pressure using 2 or 3 fingers. The clay will stick and not glide over the paintwork if not enough lubricant is used but will not damage. If clay gets too dirty replace with another small piece and continue. I've never scratched my car with clay and use it regularly to remove tar and other contaminants. The paintwork will be very smooth and you can finish with a polish and/or wax to complete.Hope this helps.

A much cheaper way to remove tar is to wash the car to get rid of all the road grit - I use a brush that fits on the end of a hose to make sure the grit doesn't scratch the surface as it's washed off - and then use a soft cloth with White Spirit rubbed gently on the tar. This will dissolve the tar easily without the need for an expensive clay bar.

4th Jun 2013

alecb

A much cheaper way to remove tar is to wash the car to get rid of all the … A much cheaper way to remove tar is to wash the car to get rid of all the road grit - I use a brush that fits on the end of a hose to make sure the grit doesn't scratch the surface as it's washed off - and then use a soft cloth with White Spirit rubbed gently on the tar. This will dissolve the tar easily without the need for an expensive clay bar.

i presume its sap.. what ever it is quite difficult to get off...

ive tried pure acetone that didnt work, also tried petrol (only a small patch) that didnt work

4th Jun 2013

cigbunt

i presume its sap.. what ever it is quite difficult to get off... ive … i presume its sap.. what ever it is quite difficult to get off... ive tried pure acetone that didnt work, also tried petrol (only a small patch) that didnt work

I have occasionally parked under lime trees which are bad for sap and find that lots of water ie a brush on the end of a hose does the job, after all sap is only a natural product.Another way might be to use an old large towel laid across the car and keep the towel soaked until the sap is dissolved.That's the way that I use to clear off dried on bird muck. Cover with a bit of kitchen roll and keep it wet and the bird muck eventually softens up and can be washed off.Good luck!

4th Jun 2013

Markedkiller78

Providing you follow the instructions it won't scratch the paint. The … Providing you follow the instructions it won't scratch the paint. The sand / grit you are talking about is what the claybar will remove. Imagine the clay is shaped like this --------------And the paintwork -------^-----^-------The clay is malleable, so the little up particle sink onto the clay: when you rub it, like this: ______m_____So the surface touching the paint is still flat. Keep it lubricated & when the clay is dirty, fold it over like the video. It works a treat honestly, but you 100% need to wax your car afterwords.

Best use of keyboard symbols to accurately describe the real world ever!

4th Jun 2013

deeky

I've just bought some clay as a last resort to try and remove some … I've just bought some clay as a last resort to try and remove some contamination on my roof that feels like sandpaper.I'm scared to try it though as I just can't see how it's scientifically possible for the clay to pick up grit and then not scratch the paintwork with it.

Probably will a bit, but only similar to washing, very fine lines.

It is normal practice to polish after using clay anyway.

5th Jun 2013

Neckbeard

Probably will a bit, but only similar to washing, very fine lines.It is … Probably will a bit, but only similar to washing, very fine lines.It is normal practice to polish after using clay anyway.

you MUST polish (and preferably wax) after claying as otherwise your paint is not protected by anything!

Original Poster5th Jun 2013

Amazon out of stock third party is selling for the same price but charging for shipping at 0.35 p

5th Jun 2013

mugglesquop

you MUST polish (and preferably wax) after claying as otherwise your … you MUST polish (and preferably wax) after claying as otherwise your paint is not protected by anything!

Exactly, if someone is taking the time and money to clay they should do everything.

Original Poster5th Jun 2013

Amazon have sold out but you can buy it from AP Motor Store via the link

5th Jun 2013

bobjohnson

it will do it, but it's quite a expensive solutionBoiling hot water mixed … it will do it, but it's quite a expensive solutionBoiling hot water mixed with all purpose cleaner would be my first route, go from there

i've never heard of that before! What APC would you recommend? Just pour it over or wash it in with a microfibre mitt or something?